Is This The BEST EVER Speedmaster? | Omega Speedmaster 3861 Hands On Review

[@watchgecko]

If you want to check out the straps we mentioned in the video, here are the links! Besford Premium Leather - www.watchgecko.com/besford-vintage-genuine-leather-dress-watch-strap Premium Seat Belt NATO - www.watchgecko.com/premium-seat-belt-nato-watch-strap-olive-green Padded Sailcloth - www.watchgecko.com/zuludiver-quick-release-sailcloth-padded-divers-watch-strap

[@KLucero22]

I have worn this 3861 Speedy Hesalite daily for 8 months now and it is honestly incredible. Of course there is no such thing as a perfect watch, but this watch comes damn close. I love the vintage inspired bracelet taper, and the small links are super comfortable. The aggressive taper is also quite comfortable for wrist mobility. I don’t feel like I have a gigantic hockey puck strapped to my wrist like I would with a diver with a thicker, beefier bracelet. Also, the METAS certified 3861 is incredibly accurate. My watch gains just 2 seconds after a month, difficult to believe but I have found that storing my watch with the dial facing up helps to offset the time during daily wear. I expect to have this watch for the rest of my life

[@hughiemg2]

How do you find it for marks / scratches? I’m torn between this and the sapphire sandwich…

[@KLucero22]

@@hughiemg2 it depends how much you abuse your watch. I wear my Hesalite speedy daily but I am careful about not slamming it on door knobs or tables. As a result the scratches have been manageable on my Hesalite. Just a few hairline scratches here and there but I can always buff them out with Meguiar’s Plast-X or PolyWatch (I prefer Plast-X). I love how warm the Hesalite looks and the domed crystal is just cool vintage throwback. I have had my Cal 3861 Speedy for almost a year now and many people tell me it still looks brand new since I take care of it. If I had to do it again I would still choose Hesalite as my first speedy. But I would also be quite happy with the sapphire sandwich as well. In the end you can’t go wrong!!

[@bushpig6837]

I also have a 3861 hesalite, I haven't pulled the crown out to adjust the time for 6 months and it is still within 1 second. Similarly to you I have found that the watch gains 1-2 seconds per week during the week while it's worn but leaving it crown-up over the weekend cancels this out. I had an 1861 before this but sold it as I kept forgetting to wind it and would then wonder why it was getting dark at 2pm which annoyed me. This watch has been an entirely different love affair, it is perfect in every way.

[@KLucero22]

@@bushpig6837 the 3861 caliber is amazingly accurate, isn’t it? Cheers

[@Ianlongines]

I have the sapphire sandwich on a black alligator strap with omega deployment clasp looks class.

[@clayrowden3916]

I just got my SS on bracelet on 10.7.23 and I am very pleased with it. I have wanted a "Moonwatch" since the 70's and it looks like my timing is excellent. The 3861 with all its technical / mechanical advancements is amazing. The new 5 link melt on your wrist bracelet with the recently introduced on the fly micro length adjustment. The new stepped dial, lume, domed hands, dot over 90, etc... is close to perfection. I chose the SS because of the durability and the open case back. I love to look at the movement. I am very pleased. It set me back USD 8,000 and is a tremendous value. Oh, yeah did I say it is beautiful. A classy, humble beautiful.

[@davem.2788]

JUST PURCHASED THE SS 3861 AND ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. MAGNIFICENT WATCH.

[@BuzzOff.]

Wearing my 3861 Sapphire with the updated adjustable clasp while watching this review.😏Omega Perfection.👏🇦🇺

[@stephenreddin]

I bought this only a few days ago and it’s amazing!

[@anthonystevens8683]

I cannot disagree with anything on this 3861 review. An evolution of a classic legend. The dial changes add depth and the printing of the chapter ring sub seconds now align with the 3 Hz beat rate, the view of the movement is also mesmerizing to say the least. Readability for chronographs that I have is second to none as well, the nearest would be the now discontinued SM 300 chrono (7753 based modified movement). And so true about winding, the partially shrouded crown does make it just a little more fiddly to wind. A beautifully executed evolution of a classic tool watch. Oh and that bracelet is sublime, the taper and small clasp add class.

[@watchgecko]

Glad to hear you're in agreement! Always nice to hear when someone shares my opinions 😅 - James

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Nice to see a review from someone 'new' to the Speedy game. An completely unbiased review is another point of view I really appreciate!

[@jadanga562]

hi. At time stamp 1:48 in your video, the hand on the 30 min chronograph sub-dial flicks to its 13 minute marker as the minute timer hand hits approx. the 59 second mark. My 3861 does this. Is this normal? By design? I would have expected that the minute hand and the sub-dial hand both hit their respective markers at the 60.00 second mark precisely. This repeats at video time stamps 4:18 and 5:19.

[@sebb6342]

For me yes the best one by far …… superior movement no doubt…. Bracelet looks so classy just on point …. I love mine

[@Longshore79]

It’s better than ever. Dial is slightly darker . Better movement , amazing comfort from the bracelet. I’m impressed

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great video guys, I love this watch ❤

[@aajaaaa]

Best in every aspects beauty, quality, accuracy and functionality

[@nigelbowler1601]

sure owning two Omega watches I've been manifesting for many years a speedmaster moon watch I love the movement in this new edition looking for a great used one.

[@charlesnguyen1041]

Enjoying this on calf leather 👍

[@hollowmatic]

Deposit put down already! Sapphire case back for me 😊 my first Omega

[@johnnyguitar6697]

Great watch, and I love it. Though people should be aware that the 3861 movement has teething problems. The chronograph function on my 4 months old hesalite has started acting up (stops at 58 seconds, which also stops the running second and the watch altogether). Did a bit of research and it's not an uncommon ocurrence for people who use the chrono function frequently. Dropped it yesterday at the Omega shop, who told me I should have it back in a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed that they fix the issue permanently.

[@notbutta]

Did they fix your watch?

[@johnnyguitar6697]

@@notbutta Yes, they did. Took about 4 weeks, but the customer service was impeccable. Came back even more accurate than before (+1.5 sec/day vs. +3 sec/day). I've only had it back for 2 weeks, but for now the issue seems to have been fixed.

[@notbutta]

@@johnnyguitar6697 Happy to hear this! They have always had amazing customer service from what I’ve heard. Congratulations.

[@mattyktatermattyktater796]

I haven't had a problem with the chrono stopping, and I use it all the time. I sent mine back because when the minute hand was at 12 the hour hand didn't line up with the correct hour. It was very obvious at 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. Took a month to get it back and it doesn't look like they did anything. It's an amazing watch and I love it but for how expensive it is I expected more. Suggestions?

[@reverb508]

The new bracelet is a so nice looking. I'm thinking about ordering one for my 1861 model. Frickin expensive though...

[@watchgecko]

Yeah I dread to think of the cost of the bracelet on its own 😲 - James

[@matthewkeyes4639]

It seems to pinch much more than the prior bracelet. Oh well, beauty hurts

[@austinschmidt7236]

Uncle Seiko sells a bracelet that mimics the 3861 for $130 I believe

[@reverb508]

@@austinschmidt7236 I have the Uncle Seiko flatlink bracelet for the Speedmaster. It's great, but not at all in the same ballpark as an OEM Omega bracelet. Uncle Seiko is definitely going for a more vintage vibe with the hollow end links and pressed metal folding clasp.

[@FRonTLinES10064]

Just picked up a Hesalite model today and it’s amazing! I’m really loving the new 3861 Speedy

[@FRonTLinES10064]

@@pierfrancescogiannini3046 the domed bubble of the Hesalite is so beautiful and the distortions that it has are unmatched The sapphire looks "cold" compared to the Hesalite and the Hesalite is more faithful to the original models that went to the moon, so that's why I chose it

[@hughiemg2]

How is it holding up for scratches and marks?

[@FRonTLinES10064]

@@hughiemg2 I have one very light hairline on on the crystal and one tiny ding in the bezel, besides that it looks flawless!

[@Mega-zi7ys]

@@FRonTLinES10064 hi me too! Saw it in the flesh when the boutique called..no intention of buying Just went to feel it. Ended up getting it 😁 ppl need to see and feel this watch in person! It's 10x more beautiful in the flesh. Btw if u don't Like scratches, put a super thin 0.1mm self healing TPU film on the hesalite. It's virtually invisible to the naked eye. Easy to install too. And doesn't affect the opacity of the hesalite crystal. Best regards

[@Mega-zi7ys]

@@hughiemg2 there are super thin 0.1mm self healing TPU films now. Virtually invisible to the naked eye and doesn't affect the opacity of the hesalite crystal at all. Super easy to install and remove..very cheap too. Hope this helps Best regards

[@rodsalvador3608]

METAS and co-axial Speedy : water cooled 911 :: Cal 1863 and older : air cooled 911. Weird analogy, but bear with me. "Best ever" depends on what one is looking for in a watch experience. For me, the best ever is the Hesalite sandwich, though much inferior to the new 3861 in performance!

[@louisbrandt5386]

IMO the most iconic watch in the world bar none. A watch which marks one of mankind”s greatest ever achievements akin to a watch which was second to market as a commercial diver and was given to a diving company - not really in the same league?

[@Eliehbk]

I just got one and Omega just added micro adjustment slider to the clasp. The loom is perfectly fine and last all night!

[@mattyktatermattyktater796]

I wish mine had the micro adjustment. Mine is a little too tight or too loose. Trying to find something small enough in my hotel room to adjust the 2 position pin out a few mm.

[@TheAmbitiousPeasant]

IMHO this has the best bracelets AND clasp of all the Speedmasters, throw in the Seamasters as well.

[@lewisjones3345]

The new Speedy is amazing, but the best part is that you can walk in and buy one!

[@louisbrandt5386]

Great review!

[@benjameshodges]

Beautiful images of the watch.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Really beautiful watch. love hesalite+ brushes bracelet.

[@stevefox8605]

Iconic, beautiful. Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻

[@watchgecko]

Our pleasure! 😁 - James

[@993mike]

Was all excited to try the new one on at my AD, but man - that tapered bracelet gets tiny at the clap! I'm a bigger guy but not huge at 6'2" 210 lbs, and I felt like I was wearing a ladies watch with that bracelet. Try it on before you buy! By the way, my AD was all ready to give me a $900 discount off retail on the 3863, so don't pay retail for one.

[@boldaslion281]

I wonder would that bracelet fit an aqua terra? It would look beautiful.

[@Azaiya]

Personally I think the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch "Ed White 321" Chronograph Ref. 311.30.40.30.01.001 is the best and released in 2020.

[@watchgecko]

That is definitely a very nice Speedy 😉 - James

[@qwerty135797]

Where can I get that coffee mug? (Seriously) My wife passed by while I was watching this video, saw the mug and exclaimed how awesome it was. Then she told me the video warranted a thumbs up simply for the mug alone. 😂🤦‍♂️ Excellent video. Ordered a sail cloth strap.

[@watchgecko]

I'm so glad someone mentioned the mug 😂 I love it too and thought it would make a great prop. It's from Mr Black Coffee Liqour and comes as a set of two. mrblack.co/uk/products/enamel-mug-set/ I hope you enjoy the strap too! 😉 - James

[@qwerty135797]

@@watchgecko Thank you so much for that info! Really, no one else commented on it!?! The cup is extremely charming and yes, it made an excellent prop IMHO. Keep up the great work. Absolutely love the watch review videos you put out.

[@jayjonas]

Why do people have watch collections? I have a speedy and need no other watch ever. Why would i weat another watch on a tueday when i may as well wear the speedy?

[@burritosupreme333]

I totally understand this. I have plenty of very nice watches. After acquiring a 3861 Hesalite, I'm contemplating selling the majority of them. I'd still have to keep my Seiko Tuna(work watch), a Casio Multiband 6, and a few sentimental pieces. However, I feel this one is the only watch I'd wear on a regular basis when I'm not at work.

[@SoMuchMass]

@@burritosupreme333why don’t you wear it at work?

[@maromorostar6621]

It's the best watch a man can get, the love for the watch keeps growing and growing. Not like others we're after that honeymoon fase. It just becomes a watch that collects dust or you get tired of it im some way. The speedmaster will become a part of you. If im not wearing it i feel something is not right. That is how a watch for life should feel like.

[@Felix1803]

I need a watch for diving (Sub), a dresswatch and watch when a Rolex is not suitable (work-Speedy).

[@robertlock6041]

Excellent video and review, thank you. I'm intrigued by your inclusion of a Practica alongside such an impressive watch though! A watch like this deserves a Leica M-P or M-A to share the stage... ;-)

[@rowanraath]

Did you notice the chip out of the hand on the left sundial? Send it back to Omega to replace.

[@sharky_mike]

Does it make sense to wear a chronograph without using it ?

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Once you have it , you will slowly gradually use it from time to time until you find yourself using it very often.. that's how i started. 1st i was just using the rotating bezel of a sub, then when i got my 1st el primero.. that's when i started slowly using the chrono to time even the simplest activities 😁 from there onwards it was all chronographs for me. 😁

[@Valera_Scotland]

I chose the 1861 hesalite. It's perfect and I do feel it's the better option at the moment

[@modmod392]

Stunning piece. Beautiful movement.

[@toddpacker7058]

I wear this watch, naked, slightly drunk on my roof.

[@ABCdotcom]

Spot on! I used to be a hardliner for a watch having a date but I've gotten used to not having it now. My ONE peeve with this watch are the stud screws for the links - they are an absolute pain! 2 tiny screws either side of a pin... Omega, just WHAT were you thinking?!? Why not have 2 longer screw pins with just enough threading at the ends such that they screw into the middle link?

[@GentlemenPremiumReview]

Wow! Omega amazed me. My friend has one which was used on the moon??? Maybe it‘s that! A nice watch!

[@jayccarlos1018]

Add a quick adjust clasp and it's perfect!

[@stevehs4287]

I’ve got this watch and agree with you - would also like to see greater water resistance so it could truly be a go anywhere /do anything watch .

[@Honraxxx]

Always super great quality footage and in my opinion perfect length in your videos. Well done indeed WatchGecko!

[@xchazz86]

Does it come in 40mm?

[@truxton1000]

No, but it wears smaller. I have a 6 3/4 wrist and it’s absolutely fine, even the old 1861 speedie wears ok on my wrist, not much larger than an 40mm Submariner.

[@sfomann]

These macro shots makes this watch looks much nicer than in real. e.g. The step dial, the depth, the legibility is more pronounced in these macro shots. And when I go to my local AD, I am thinking to myself, is this really the same watch? Still a very nice watch and may be I will get it some day, but it looks much sharper in these videos.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Reverse for me, i was actually surprised at the level of details in person than in pics/vids. Anyway best regards

[@hairyfishcakes]

You might need new glasses you old fart…. ❤

[@jonjon.B]

I have the feeling that they changed the proportions of the watch? Because the lugs appear smaller in comparison with the width of the bracelet.. kind of a ''speedy reduced'' feeling.. or that's just me ?

[@matthewkeyes4639]

Just you

[@galaga8834]

It has been reduced slightly.

[@truxton1000]

You are correct, the lugs are a bit smaller, the biggest difference though is that the end link of the bracelet is hinging straight down and not protruding out like on the 1861, making the watch looking smaller and wearing a lot better on the smaller wrist. I got a 6 3/4 wrist and the new speedie is no problem at all in terms of size, even the 1861 is fine on my wrist even if I prefer that one on an older bracelet from the 1980’s, think it’s the 1171.

[@jonjon.B]

@@truxton1000 thanks for the answer!

[@mikefry5704]

Great vlog great watch. Enjoy

[@watchgecko]

Thanks! - James

[@seang2822]

Agree the taper on the bracelet is a bit too much…

[@RJ-cq8dd]

If you advertise it as the moon watch i think it should look exactly like the watch that went to the moon. I would want to look at exactly the same dial as the astronauts did, not a slight redesign.

[@aajaaaa]

Best ever

[@desertsoldier41]

The original Lemania 321 of which this movement is based is also an evolution of the Venus Chronograph movements, which you can still get as a Seagull branded movement used in the 1963. Its amazing how similar they are minus the extra registers.

[@NoShame86]

Nonsense. Lemania CH27 (No such thing as "Lemania 321") which was later adapted by Omega as "Omega 321" caliber by is not an evolution of Venus chronographm movement. The only similarity between Lemania CH27 and Venus chronograph is that it is a manual wind integrated chronograph

[@martinharrison4245]

6k and you have to wind it up daily ? I remember when these were like 3k new , not that long ago ? Prices have shot up in the last couple of years , but are they justified ? I don't think so.

[@WooliteMammoth]

Not daily. Power reserve is longer. I don't even wind my '74 speedy daily. That said the price increases are not justified. Speaking just for chronos I'd rather have a vintage speedy, master control JLC, or Zenith chrono for a couple thousand less.

[@stefanocorbellini4480]

totally agree- worth 3k at most

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Yes they are... These are Veblen goods. If they keep lowering the prices until Timex prices overtake them nobody would want them.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

@@stefanocorbellini4480 Veblen goods

[@visiblemode]

3k new? A long time ago. They cost $4500 USD in 2013, new. Factoring in inflation they should cost ~$6000 USD in today’s market. The current retail cost is $7000, but it’s not an apples to apples comparison as the current model features a lot of technological innovations, including a co-axial escapement, a longer power reserve and industry leading magnetic resistance. Inflation is the real fly in the ointment, here.

I love everything about this watch except for the fact it's not automatic

[@English2Elvish]

Bracelet is sharp, price is astronomically (see what I did there?) higher than previous, NO big "fuck off box" which has lots of special goodies, STRAPS AND THE TOOLS TO CHANGE THEM. Buy a 1861 in conclusion.

[@truxton1000]

Most watch nerds will have the tools in the «f### off box» anyway so no need to get tools and huge boxes for every watch you buy as they take up a lot of room. Even the new speedie have a much larger box than f.ex you get with Rolex. And astronomical price you say, well yea but what alternative watch can be bought for less? I think you will find that the answer is none…

[@aolequang2656]

Omg this watch is so amazing. But t dont have enough money 😖

[@Brooklyncameraclub]

That’s a Praktika camera.

[@jgsheehan8810]

Perfect.

[@JamesAlexander14]

Love it to death. Going to get one and it’s great to know I can get straps to fit from Watch Gecko

[@tonewisho]

Got one in may, the hesalite, it may be the best watch omega had made, amazing bracelet, no pinching 10/10 best purchase possible at this price point

[@cheese56218]

Saphire sandwhich😋😋😋

[@ShashankD137]

But why is the submariner famous ? Asking out of curiosity and not to diss rolex

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Jeez you gotta be careful man!!! You don't wanna get attacked by rabid fanboys! 🤣 I have both... but been leaning more and more towards Omega now. They're just more subtle and discreet. So no biases here. Best regards.

[@ShashankD137]

@@Mega-zi7ys haha I meant no harm. I was genuinely interested in knowing why it's so iconic. Is it just the design or was it first to do something or change the industry? Should the Blancpain be more iconic 🤔

[@Mega-zi7ys]

@@ShashankD137 hahaha of course the 50 fathoms is more historically significant....and looks better actually. But! You know those KZbin hypers flippers posing as reviewers kept pushing it and helped create this FOMO. So anybody who doesn't know anything about watches think anything rolex makes is GREAT INVESTMENT.... they're no watches, THEY'RE the holy grail! You can become a BILLIONAIRE by INVESTING in a mass produced oyster perpetual 36/41! 😋.

[@MattsTravelTips]

Buyer beware. Just picked up my sapphire 3861. The lug tips are EXTREMELY sharp. Unacceptably sharp for a watch of this price. Try one on at an AD before buying, and make up your own mind. But in my opinion, Omega really dropped the ball here. The case back of the 1861 is beautifully polished and finished. On the 3861, it’s as if they just forgot to finish the case back. I can’t stress it enough. The lug tips are SHARP!

[@NeoWahNah]

Like how sharp? Like will I be able to cut through nylon or zip ties if I'm in a bind?

[@Mega-zi7ys]

@@NeoWahNah 🤣

[@tariqqureshi6695]

They are not sharp. I have zero issues. It’s perfect.

[@igorcicala7]

love it

[@glennt1962]

Beautiful watch indeed. Glad they've sized it up to 42mm, added sapphire crystal and importantly made it automatic winding and a see-through case back, however one drawback is the 50m water resistance is quite poor when Seiko can afford to make 100m+ for a fraction of the price. Personally, putting such a great watch on anything but a steel bracelet would be sacrilege and devaluating its image.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Wtf you talking about???? Automatic??? 3861 is manual wind!

[@u.u.u9969]

This is not jingly jangly.

[@baikalc.4260]

i v gotta confession to make, i m craving to tell my wife but wont. , it s safer to tell the stranger. i got it n left me with a debt of 7.5k. i love my watch , i just completly love it and that s something that i ll say to my self once monthly payments are due. haha.

[@lipinglin1994]

Awesome watch. Sadly too big for me

[@millenbop]

If it only was 38-40 mm.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Buy a Sinn 356 and you'll be happy =) Trust me, I both own the Sinn as well as a 1861 equipped Speedy Pro from last gen.

[@millenbop]

@@SinnerAndSaint Good suggestion, I already have one :)

[@eyimen]

Actually the diameter is 40 mm. In spec sheet It's written 42mm because of the 2 mm wide crown guards.

[@guuslombarts9004]

Get a Speedmaster FOIS, 40mm case and a little cheaper

[@notbutta]

@@guuslombarts9004 FOIS are currently selling for $7k now that they have been discontinued. Goodluck getting a “cheap” one.

[@antoniocataldo5417]

Top top top

[@steffydog]

Hard to knock isn’t it, also hard to justify over £6k for a watch that has no link to the moon, it can’t even go there with that crystal. Mmm, decisions.

[@salangchoi02]

A problem with Omega watches is I don’t feel premium quality if I handle one in person.

[@NeoWahNah]

In comparison to? Just for context

[@tariqqureshi6695]

Speedy is a very sturdy and well put together watch. Omegas seem better built to me than Rolex. And I have many of both brands.